NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PMO Renamed ‘Seva Tirth’ as Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas
Become Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas in Major Governance Shift: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has
been renamed ‘Seva Tirth’, while Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas across
the country will now be known as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas, marking a
symbolic shift from authority to service in governance.Home Minister Amit Shah
stated that this change reflects the Modi government’s 11-year philosophy of
‘seva over satta’, where the Prime Minister considers himself the Pradhan Sevak
and works round the clock for the people.The new Seva Tirth complex, earlier
called the Executive Enclave under the Central Vista project, will house the PMO,
Cabinet Secretariat, National Security Council Secretariat, and India House,
strengthening India’s administrative and diplomatic infrastructure.The renaming
is seen as part of a broader cultural and ideological transition, with
governance moving from “power to responsibility” and “authority to service”,
supported by reforms like naming the Central Secretariat as Kartavya Bhavan.
2. India’s Indigenous Single-Window Digital Platform to
Boost MSME Ease of Doing Business: National Industries Research and Development Council
(NIRDC) launched InDApp, an indigenously developed single-window
digital platform unveiled by MoS B. L. Verma to enhance ease of doing
business for MSMEs by improving access to approvals, market information, and
nationwide business opportunities.InDApp integrates physical outreach with
digital services, enabling MSMEs across all sectors and regions to access
critical information on industrial opportunities, export schemes, subsidies,
technology upgrades, and market trends through one unified channel.Developed in
collaboration with seven Union Ministries, the platform strengthens
inter-ministerial coordination and supports entrepreneurs in driving
innovation, improving transparency, accelerating growth, and boosting the
competitiveness of India’s MSME ecosystem.
3. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates Saras Ajeevika Food
Festival 2025 Showcasing Culinary Culture of 25 States: Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh
Chouhan inaugurated the Saras Ajeevika Food Festival 2025 in New
Delhi, showcasing food that reflects the cultural vibrancy of 25 states,
with the event’s motto highlighting taste, self-reliance, and indigenous
products.Around 300 Lakhpati Didis and women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
across the country are participating in the festival, which will continue till
9th of this month.
Chouhan praised the Lakhpati Didis for their
dedication and empowerment, stating that their hard work has written a new
chapter of progress, development, and prosperity.
4. DoT Mandates Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi App on
All Mobile Devices to Strengthen Telecom Cyber Security: The Department of Telecommunications
(DoT) has mandated pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi mobile
app on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for India, ensuring
the app is clearly visible and accessible during first use, with no key
functions hidden or restricted.Manufacturers and importers must comply within
90 days, and submit compliance reports within 120 days; devices already
produced must receive the app through software updates.Sanchar Saathi, a DoT
initiative, helps users verify handset authenticity (IMEI check), block stolen
phones, report fraud, check active mobile connections, and access trusted
contact details of banks and financial institutions.The move follows
cyber-security concerns under the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) Rules,
addressing issues like duplicate/spoofed IMEI numbers, second-hand market
fraud, and misuse of stolen/blacklisted devices, supporting stronger
enforcement and user protection.
5. Coal Ministry Unveils Simplified Approval
System to Fast-Track Exploration and Geological Reports: Ministry of Coal has introduced a simplified
approval mechanism for exploration programs and Geological Reports (GRs) for
coal and lignite blocks, replacing the earlier methodology and removing
the need for the 2022 approval committee, ensuring faster and more transparent
processing.The new system allows Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies
(APAs) accredited by QCI-NABET, along with mandatory peer review by another
APA, to prepare and validate reports, strengthening the technical robustness of
exploration activities.The reform shows the Government’s strong confidence in
private-sector capabilities, leveraging their efficiency, technology, and
innovation to modernise India’s coal exploration ecosystem while maintaining
strict transparency and high technical standards.The simplified process will
reduce approval timelines by at least 3 months, enabling quicker
operationalisation of coal blocks, improving ease of doing business,
accelerating exploration, and contributing to the long-term sustainability and
security of India’s coal resources.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Paschal Donohoe Appointed as World Bank Group’s MD and
CKO: Paschal Donohoe has been appointed as Managing
Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group.Donohoe previously
served as Ireland’s Minister for Finance since January 2025 and as President of
the Eurogroup of finance ministers from July 2020, bringing extensive experience
in both public and private sectors.His achievements include nearly a decade at
Procter & Gamble and recognitions such as European of the Year by the
European Movement of Ireland and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from the
French Government.
2. EU Sets 2027 Deadline to End Russian Gas Imports: The European Union has confirmed a phased plan to
eliminate all Russian natural gas imports by 2027, signalling a major
geopolitical and energy market shift. The decision follows years of tension
arising from Russia’s use of energy supplies as political leverage.The ban
represents a negotiated compromise between EU member states and the European
Parliament. Lawmakers had pushed for an earlier cutoff, but the final timeline
balances political urgency with the bloc’s energy security needs. A provisional
agreement announced by the European Council formalised the phase-out
schedule.Long-term contracts for pipeline-delivered gas will be prohibited from
1 November 2027. For liquefied natural gas (LNG), the long-term ban will start
on 1 January 2027. Short-term contracts face earlier deadlines: 25 April 2026
for LNG and 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas. All dates remain subject to final
approval from both the European Parliament and the Council.
3. Trump Declares Biden Autopen Documents Invalid: US President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping
declaration that all official documents signed by former President Joe Biden
using an autopen are “null and void.” The move has triggered a major political
and legal debate, as autopen signatures have been a routine administrative
practice across multiple US administrations for decades.Trump announced via his
social media platform that documents authorised through Biden’s autopen use,
including executive orders, contracts and official memorandums, carry “no
further force or effect.” He asserted that any individual holding pardons or
commutations signed in this manner should consider them terminated.The autopen
device allows precise replication of a handwritten signature and has been used
by both Republican and Democratic presidents for routine paperwork. Despite
this precedent, Trump has repeatedly criticised Biden’s reliance on the device,
arguing it reflects diminished control over the executive office.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Air Marshal Tejbir Singh Assumes Charge as Director
General (Inspection & Safety) at Air Headquarters: Air Marshal Tejbir Singh assumed charge
as Director General (Inspection & Safety) at Air Headquarters,
succeeding Air Marshal Makarand Bhaskar Ranade, who retired on 30 November
2025.With a 37-year distinguished career, he has served in key roles including
Air Attaché to Bangladesh, Senior Directing Staff (Air) at NDC, and Assistant
Chief of Air Staff (Operations–Transport & Helicopters); he is also an
alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.He has been honoured with
prestigious awards such as the Vayu Sena Medal (2010) and the Ati Vishisht Seva
Medal (2018) in recognition of his exceptional service to the Indian Air Force.
2. Praveen Kumar Takes Additional Charge as BSF Director
General: Praveen Kumar, ITBP Director General, has
taken additional charge as BSF DG, following the retirement of Daljit
Singh Chawdhary; the handover unusually took place in Raipur during the DGs-IGs
national police conference.Kumar is a 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal
cadre, previously serving in the Intelligence Bureau and as DIG in the
Naxal-affected Midnapore Range before becoming the 35th ITBP DG in October
2025.As ITBP DG, he announced 10 all-woman forward posts along the India-China
border, covering the stretch between Karakoram Pass (Ladakh) and Diphu La
(Arunachal Pradesh).
3. 4 December – Indian Navy Day :Indian Navy Day is observed on 4th December
every year to commemorate the valor and achievements of the Indian Navy in
safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders.The day marks the success of
Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, when the Indian Navy carried
out a surprise attack on Karachi harbor.Indian Navy Day highlights the role of
the Navy in national security, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions,
showcasing its operational readiness and strategic importance.
SPORTS
1. Indian Railways Promotes Women’s World Cup
Cricket Champions Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, and Renuka Singh Thakur to OSD (Sports): Indian Railways has promoted Pratika Rawal,
Sneh Rana, and Renuka Singh Thakur to the Group ‘B’ Officer post of OSD
(Sports) through Out-of-Turn Promotion, recognising their key
contributions to India’s 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup victory.The promotion
grants them Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officer status under Level-8 of the 7th CPC,
providing financial security along with additional administrative
responsibilities within the Railway Sports Promotion Board.All three players —
serving earlier as clerks in Northern Railway — were felicitated at Rail
Bhawan, and their promotions highlight Indian Railways’ commitment to
supporting and honouring exceptional sporting talent.
2. Rohit Rajpal Reappointed India’s Davis Cup
Captain: Rohit Rajpal has been reappointed as captain of the
Indian Davis Cup team until December 31, 2026, ensuring continuity in
leadership as India prepares for a crucial home Qualifier against the Netherlands in early
2026. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has also retained Ashutosh Singh
as the team’s coach.The decision comes as India gears up to host the Netherlands in the
2026 Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers. Rajpal’s experience in navigating tight
fixtures and managing squad transitions is expected to provide strategic
stability ahead of the high-stakes February tie.AITA’s move to retain both
captain and coach underscores a preference for continuity in a period when
India aims to strengthen its global standing. Rajpal’s tenure will cover all
Davis Cup fixtures through 2026, offering the team a consistent leadership
environment as it targets qualification for the Finals.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Scientists Find New Way To Rejuvenate Ageing Human Cells: Researchers have unveiled a promising technique that
revives ageing human cells by enhancing mitochondrial activity, offering a
potential pathway to treat degenerative and age-related diseases. The
breakthrough centres on improving the energy-producing ability of cells that
naturally weaken over time.The study by Texas A&M University highlights how
mitochondria, the cell’s energy generators, decline in efficiency with age,
contributing to heart, brain and metabolic disorders. Restoring mitochondrial
function has long been considered key to slowing biological ageing at the
cellular level.Scientists developed microscopic “nanoflowers” from molybdenum
disulfide. These particles, shaped like tiny blossoms, contain pores that absorb
harmful reactive oxygen species. By reducing oxidative stress, the nanoflowers
activate genes that trigger the formation of new mitochondria in human stem
cells, significantly improving their vitality.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. APY Enrolments Cross 8.34 Crore with Strong 48%
Participation from Women: Atal Pension Yojana (APY) enrolments
have crossed 8.34 crore, as informed by Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha; 48% of total subscribers are women, highlighting
strong female participation.Launched in May 2015, APY aims to provide a
universal social security system, especially for unorganised-sector workers; it
is open to individuals aged 18–40 years with a savings or post-office
account.Pension benefits begin after 60 years of age, with large-scale
disbursals expected from 2035; awareness has been boosted through
advertisements, brochures in 13 vernacular languages, and virtual training for
field workers.
Awareness initiatives by NABARD, NCFE, NRLM,
SRLMs, and digital onboarding via internet banking, mobile apps, and bank
portals have accelerated adoption; the scheme is implemented through Department
of Posts and a wide network of banks under PFRDA.
2. SBI and Bank of India Sign MoU to Establish Centre of
Excellence for Strategic Partnership and Project Financing: SBI and Bank of India signed an MoU to jointly
establish a Centre of Excellence in Strategic Partnership, aiming to boost
leadership, expertise, and innovation in project financing across India.The
collaboration will focus on co-financing major infrastructure and industrial
projects, strengthening the banks’ role and brand presence in corporate and
project financing.The partnership includes capacity-building initiatives such
as employee training and leadership development, ensuring availability of
skilled professionals in project financing amid rising national demand.
3. RBI Retains SBI, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as D-SIBs in
2025 List with Unchanged Bucketing Structure: RBI has retained SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI
Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for
2025, keeping them in the same bucketing structure as the previous
year.The additional CET1 requirement is set at 0.80% for SBI, 0.40% for HDFC
Bank, and 0.20% for ICICI Bank, which will be over and above the Capital Conservation
Buffer.Under the D-SIB framework, RBI publicly discloses the names of
systemically important banks (since 2015) and places them in buckets based on
their Systemic Importance Scores (SIS).Foreign banks operating in India that
are classified as G-SIBs must maintain an additional CET1 surcharge
proportionate to their India Risk-Weighted Assets (RWAs), as prescribed by
their home regulator.
AWARDS
1. Armand Duplantis and Sydney
McLaughlin-Levrone Crowned 2025 World Athletes of the Year: Armand Duplantis (Sweden) and Sydney
McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) were named 2025 World Athletes of the Year
at the World Athletics Awards, recognizing their record-breaking
performances in pole vault and 400 metres respectively.Duplantis broke the
men’s pole vault world record four times and remained unbeaten in all 16
competitions, becoming the first male pole vaulter in modern history to stay
undefeated in a single event for two consecutive years.McLaughlin-Levrone set a
42-year-old World Championship record in the 400 metres and became the first
athlete to win world titles in both the 400m flat and 400m hurdles, also
earning the women’s track athlete of the year award.
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